Businesses get $25,000 fine for using Bitcoin, $2507 fine for gov officials

[spazzdla]

This is a sign that Russia actually has no F***ing clue what they are doing with their monetary policy.. not one single F***ing idea.

[franky1]

banning bitcoin will be like prohibiting vodka

[p2pbucks]

personally ，i think Russia ban is not a bad news .
Just like USA Dry Law ， this kind of prohibition would boost people's incentive of using bitcoin to protect their property from RUBLE devaluation .
As you can see , ruble value is declining very fast against dollar recently ,thats the reason Puting Gov bans bitcoin . 

[ChuckBuck]

Dam Russkies always pulling some ass backwards sh$t regarding policy.  Always something brewing government wise between them and China, before they inevitably reverse course.



Every year it seems they try to pass it as law, we'll see how long this stands up.

[Chris_Sabian]

How would this even be enforced? 

[RustyNomad]

This will just make Bitcoin even more popular, people want what they're not allowed or able to have....

[chopstick]

Russia is currently experiencing a decline in the valuation of it's home currency (the ruble.) This is causing them a lot of economic headache.

Of course, the reason that this is happening is because of the USA and western-backed sanctions over the conflict in Ukraine.

Likely they are "banning" bitcoin as a pre-emptive measure to protect the Ruble from further devaluation.

The fact that they realize bitcoin is a threat to their own currency is telling.

[allthingsluxury]

Pathetic. Simply pathetic.

[Mirdude]

Which countries does this apply to?

It would be funny if this took place in America.

[SaltySpitoon]

I wonder if you will be able to pay your fines in Bitcoin?

[spooderman]

Russia bans use of alternative currency.

States penalties for use in USD.

[ArticMine]

How would this even be enforced? 

Simple. Use the DRM already built into Microsoft and Apple products, and you have control over 98% of the desktop / laptop market.

[Eotnak]

How would this even be enforced? 

Simple. Use the DRM already built into Microsoft and Apple products, and you have control over 98% of the desktop / laptop market.

I smell a new flavor of Linux:  Bitux

As soon as someone works the Kernel, I'm going to get to work on the dual boot install script for Windows users.

[RodeoX]

Now I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. When Russia announces Putin-coins. "The coin you MUST use!"

[ArticMine]

How would this even be enforced?  

Simple. Use the DRM already built into Microsoft and Apple products, and you have control over 98% of the desktop / laptop market.

I smell a new flavor of Linux:  Bitux

As soon as someone works the Kernel, I'm going to get to work on the dual boot install script for Windows users.

One has to be careful here since there are ex2/ex3/ex4 drivers for Windows so it is possible for the Windows system to wipe out files in the GNU/Linux dual boot. A similar thing can also occur with network shares on a GNU/Linux machine that can be written to from Windows. Before one starts to think of paranoia here there are a few things to keep in mind. Microsoft has provided the FSB (The successor the the KGB) with access to the Windows source code. There is also the section in the Windows EULA on malicious software. One must keep in mind that if the Russian Government  deems crypto-currency illegal then Microsoft would be within their rights to remove any crypto-currency software, including such files as wallet.dat, from computers running Windows in Russia. Then there has already been a precedent of Apple using the DRM in IOS to suppresses the teachings of the Dalai Lama at the request of the Chinese Government.

[h4xx0r]

Is this legitimate? Normally i would be all against this, but based on how judgemental this community is and with all of the scammers to blame, i approve. Until crypto has regulation i cannot fully support it. 

[Eotnak]

How would this even be enforced?  

Simple. Use the DRM already built into Microsoft and Apple products, and you have control over 98% of the desktop / laptop market.

I smell a new flavor of Linux:  Bitux

As soon as someone works the Kernel, I'm going to get to work on the dual boot install script for Windows users.

One has to be careful here since there are ex2/ex3/ex4 drivers for Windows so it is possible for the Windows system to wipe out files in the GNU/Linux dual boot. A similar thing can also occur with network shares on a GNU/Linux machine that can be written to from Windows. Before one starts to think of paranoia here there are a few things to keep in mind. Microsoft has provided the FSB (The successor the the KGB) with access to the Windows source code. There is also the section in the Windows EULA on malicious software. One must keep in mind that if the Russian Government  deems crypto-currency illegal then Microsoft would be within their rights to remove any crypto-currency software, including such files as wallet.dat, from computers running Windows in Russia. Then there has already been a precedent of Apple using the DRM in IOS to suppresses the teachings of the Dalai Lama at the request of the Chinese Government.

Wow I had no idea about the FSB and Dalai Lama stuff.  I guess Bitux will have to run alone with warnings about dual boot systems.  Plus there's also Android!  Who wants to make the Russian Bitcoin ROM?

[leopard2]

SO...After using CHINA BAN BITCOIN meme for the 2417. time, it has lost its effect

NOW..RUSSIA BAN BITCOIN meme is being invoked, to try to get sub $200 coins?

YAWN 

[hellscabane]

Russia has been on a serious streak of stupid bans. And the sad thing is that this ban isn't even remotely near the "stupidest" of bans within the past few months.

Just remember, they've banned the import of food from a whole bunch of countries. That led to food prices increasing by a bunch of percentage points within a few weeks.

The bitcoin ban was somewhat anticipated and surprisingly not as "stupid." Then again, as mentioned, how the hell are they gonna enforce this?

[BayAreaCoins]

I wonder if you will be able to pay your fines in Bitcoin?

Wonderful service idea